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Eating out on a GLP-1
A short, plain-language guide to ordering at restaurants when a full plate is more than you want. It covers smaller plates, starting with protein, gentler choices, and reading the nutrition numbers restaurants publish.
These are general ordering tips. They aren't about your medicine or your dose. Your prescriber's instructions come first.
See orders near you
TableMacros uses these same published numbers to show orders at restaurants near you. Finding an order is free in your phone's browser.
Open TableMacros, freeOrder a smaller plate
Kids' and snack sizes, sides as a meal, and "order this, box half."
Start with protein
Where protein shows up on a menu, and a quick way to compare items by protein per calorie.
Gentler orders
If fried, rich or very spicy food doesn't sit well with you, how to spot it on a menu.
Read menu nutrition
Where chain restaurants list calories, and how to ask for more.
Restaurant picks
Higher-protein, smaller items from the nutrition information each restaurant publishes.
The short version
- Start with protein. A smaller plate can still move you toward a protein goal.
- Kids' sizes and snack sizes are worth a look when the restaurant offers them.
- If a plate is large, boxing half leaves the rest for later.
- Ask for sauces and dressings on the side.
- Sip water through the day.
- Eat slowly, and stop when you feel comfortably satisfied.
- Sauces, cheese, and swaps change the numbers.
Talk to your prescriber about what is right for you.
Sources
- FDA, "Calories on the Menu: Information for Consumers". www.fda.gov
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, "Protein in diet" (reviewed Apr 1, 2025). medlineplus.gov
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, "Leftovers and Food Safety" (last updated Jul 31, 2020). www.fsis.usda.gov